Marilyn Manson avoids charges in sexual assault investigation

Marilyn Manson won’t face charges in the sexual assault case due to insufficient evidence and statute of limitations.

L.A. prosecutors drop charges against Marilyn Manson after a lengthy sexual assault investigation.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office cited insufficient evidence and expired statutes of limitations as reasons for the decision.

“We cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt, and allegations of domestic violence fall outside the statute of limitations,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. He also acknowledged the courage of the women who came forward.

The investigation, initiated in 2021, focused on incidents that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood. Authorities collected evidence, including a search warrant executed at Manson’s home, but ultimately deemed it inadequate for prosecution.

Esmé Bianco, a Game of Thrones actor and one of the accusers, criticized the prolonged process in October 2024. Bianco claimed she provided evidence of physical abuse and human trafficking, accusing Manson of bringing her to California under false pretenses. Her lawsuit against Manson was settled privately.

Evan Rachel Wood, Manson’s former fiancée, publicly accused him of abuse in 2021. In response, Manson denied the claims, alleging they were fabricated. He later dropped a defamation lawsuit against Wood.

Manson, 56, rose to fame in the 1990s for his controversial image and hit albums like Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals.